The Daily Record has turned to Saudi publisher Slaati for upbeat news on James Tavernier.
Completing his ninth season since moving to Ibrox from Wigan there hasn’t been a sniff of interest in the 32-year-old despite the constant hype of the Record and BBC Scotland.
It seems that no defensive awareness and being awarded a penalty every second match doesn’t tick many boxes for clubs looking for a quality right-back.
Over the last five years Jeremy Frimpong and Josip Juranovic have earned bug money moves to the Bundesliga while Tav looks on in envy hoping that he can survive through until 2025 and pick up a Testimonial.
Despite the hype Steven Gerrard never raided his old club when he was in charge of Aston Villa, now managing in the graveyard that is the Saudi Pro League it seems that Al Ettifaq are ‘leading the race’ for the Ibrox captain.
In trademark fashion the Record informs their dwindling army of elderly readers:
While talk of a reunion with Tavernier have swirled in Saudi over the last few months, the rumour mill appears to have shifted into overdrive. Multiple outlets are now reporting that an offer is being “prepared” with a view to snapping up the Rangers Hall of Famer this summer.
Slaati state that the a “recommendation” for the deal has come from Gerrard to seal an agreement as he looks to shake up his squad this summer. Management are said to have “agreed” to the demands of the boss despite a poor season season them languishing in seventh spot in the table.
Yeah, everyone in Saudi Arabia are in on the rumours that the World’s Greatest Defender could soon be teaming up with Jack Hendry next season in the Al Ettifaq back four.
Tavpen signed a contract extension early last season but the length of the deal was never disclosed, no fee has been mentioned for the blockbuster deal.
Lookout soon ,for an astronomical fee bid ,from an unknown and unnamed club from China ! The £30 million fabled bid for Big Alfoodo (rejected) shall pale into significance if one is bid for the Tavpen …especially if the SMSM have its way ! Do you think that theRangers are quietly honing another penalty taker to perfection ,behind the scenes to take over from Tavpen if he is Joe the Toff ? What is the going rate for a 32 year old ,slow , penalty taker ,who can’t defend ,these days anyway ?
Did arthur clarke write this sci fi rubbish ?
Will some of the mibs b var brothers be going too
Those penalties don’t give themselves you know
Every time I set eyes on Tavthepen I think
“I’m Shirley Temple And I’ve Got Curly Hair
Two Wee Dimples And I wear My Skirts To There”!
My twitter alert (from the Daily Retard, admittedly) now breathlessly has it as a “double swoop” for Tavpen and Goldson. I’d love to see them both in Saudi Arabia with Mister Gerrard. Tavpen with no more penalties or free kicks to take than anyone else will just be an uncapped, plodding 32 year old full-back who can’t defend, and without ‘Goldson’s law’ allowing him to use his hands and arms in ways no other players can, big Conor will be giving away an awful lot of penalties……